(STILLWATER, Oklahoma) – Oklahoma State University researchers say there is a great need for studies on how insecticides impact the federally protected American Burying Beetle.
The American Burying Beetle has historically been found in 35 states but now exists naturally in only six. Factors that potentially affect the beetle’s population are changes to their habitats, changes to the food they eat, an increase in outdoor lighting and insecticide application. In recently published research, OSU scientists discovered multiple insecticide exposures appear to threaten the federally protected species. “We found that a single event of exposure induced a 30% mortality, and a repeated exposure induced a 50% mortality,” said Michael Cavallaro, adjunct professor in the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. “Due to the limited testing of non-target effects of insecticides, not only do we not have the necessary data, but we don’t have it applied to federally protected species.”
Research shows the saliva of the American Burying Beetle can provide antibiotics that could improve human and animal health or be used in meat preservation.
“We need more research that determines the actual risks to beneficial insects so that we can better manage the use of insecticides,” Wyatt Hoback, Neustadt Starkey professor in entomology and plant pathology.
The following experts are available for interviews on this topic: Wyatt Hoback, Neustadt Starkey professorship in entomology and plant pathology: [email protected] Michael Cavallaro, adjunct professor in entomology and plant pathology: michael.cavallaro@ okstate.edu
